South Africa Women outclassed New Zealand Women by 18 runs in the second T20I of the five-match series in Hamilton. A brilliant half-century from Tazmin Brits, along with a four-wicket spell by Ayabonga Khaka (4/27 in 4 overs) and a three-wicket haul from Nonkululeko Mlaba (3/27 in 4 overs), helped South Africa register a convincing win.

Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 41 off 33 balls. Sune Luus played an aggressive innings during the powerplay, while Kayla Reyneke added quick runs at the end.

Despite the loss, Amelia Kerr impressed with both bat and ball. She returned figures of 2/29 in 4 overs and scored a quick 32 off just 18 balls. Later, Izzy Sharp gave a late scare with some attacking shots, but New Zealand fell short by 18 runs due to regular wickets and sharp South African fielding.

Strong Start from Brits and Luus

Even though Hamilton is known for swing-friendly conditions, South Africa chose to bat first. Brits and Luus started cautiously but still managed to score 14 runs in the first two overs through aggressive intent.

Brits then took control in the third over, smashing Suzie Bates for a six and three fours. As conditions eased, South Africa accelerated, reaching 49 runs in the powerplay.

Kerr initially struggled but struck back by dismissing Luus for 31 runs off 21 balls. This wicket marked her 100th in T20 Internationals, making her the second-fastest woman to achieve both 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the format, after Hong Kong’s Kary Chan.

Wolvaardt and Reyneke Finish with a Flourish

After Luus’ dismissal, Wolvaardt anchored the innings while Brits continued scoring. South Africa crossed the 100-run mark in the 11th over. However, Brits fell soon after, giving New Zealand a chance to fight back.

New Zealand briefly regained control with wickets from Jess Kerr and a run-out by Georgia Plimmer, along with a sharp catch from Bates.

But the momentum shifted again when Jess Kerr bowled a costly 18th over, including five no-balls. This allowed Reyneke to attack freely.

In the final over, Sophie Devine conceded three consecutive sixes to Reyneke. The young batter finished unbeaten on 28 off just nine balls. Wolvaardt also remained not out on 41, helping South Africa post 177 runs.

Reyneke, just 20 years old, was named Player of the Match. She later said, "It was pretty sick. Batting with Wolvaardt was a dream come true. Devine is not only a big name but also a big bowler. I just watched the ball and tried to clear the boundary."

Khaka and Mlaba Seal the Win

Chasing 178, New Zealand faced early setbacks. Annerie Dercksen dismissed Plimmer for 1 in the first over, while Khaka removed Isabella Gaze soon after.

Amelia Kerr tried to revive the innings with aggressive batting, helping New Zealand reach 63 runs in the powerplay. However, her dismissal by Mlaba in the seventh over slowed down the chase.

Devine was bowled shortly after, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Khaka picked up two more wickets, removing Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green in the same over. Mlaba also dismissed Bates and Jess Kerr.

Sharp gave New Zealand a brief hope with three consecutive boundaries in the 17th over, reducing the target to 29 runs from 12 balls. However, she was caught trying to hit another big shot, and Rosemary Mair was run out soon after.

South Africa Level the Series

In the end, South Africa’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured New Zealand could not build lasting partnerships. The visitors secured an 18-run victory, bringing the five-match T20I series level at 1-1.